Design Discussions – Building Communities

What makes a successful place? Is it housing, infrastructure and amenities, or is it the sense of belonging, connection and identity that turns a collection of buildings into a thriving community?

Invited by Theresa Dowling and hosted at JTP Studios in East London, the latest Design Discussion brought together leading voices from architecture, masterplanning, urban design, local government and the built environment to explore one of the industry’s most pressing questions: how do we create places that remain relevant, resilient and successful in an increasingly unpredictable future?

The panel featured senior architects from Broadway Malyan, JTP Studios, Urban Sketch, Fathom Architects, Allies and Morrison, BDP, Brent Council, Studio Egret West and dpa lighting consultants.

The conversation offers a compelling exploration of what tomorrow’s cities might look like, and the responsibilities of those shaping them today. From the balance between flexibility and permanence of infrastructure to the changing demographics of communities, the conversation highlights the complex challenges and visions facing the future of urban design.

Read the full Design Discussion PDF to explore the debate in detail.